The punch Neymar allegedly landed on a Rennes fan’s face could cost him as he now faces a potential eight-match suspension.
After having already been suspended for three European matches for insulting the referees in Paris Saint-Germain‘s Champions League defeat to Manchester United, Neymar’s nightmare return from injury appears to be far from over.
The French media report he could face a suspension of up to five matches for punching a Rennes fan and if the French football commission decide to come down hard on him, this could reportedly turn into a huge, eight-match suspension.
The incident took place shortly after the end of the Paris Saint-Germain versus Rennes match Saturday in the final of the French cup. The PSG players were going to get their medals after losing to Rennes and a supporter of the other team was allegedly teasing them and said to Neymar: “Learn how to play football!”
Neymar reportedly lashed out, striking the rude fan. The French football commission is reportedly set to meet on Thursday to decide on Neymar’s punishment.
French newspaper L’Equipe report that it could cost him four matches, although they are quick to add that the rule book also includes transgressions that could be attributable to the incident and could therefore see an even longer suspension handed out.
For example, they report that if he is found to have acted “after the match”, “against a player – coach – trainer – official or a member of the public”, he could face a five-match ban.
But it could go even further. If he is found to have committed “brutality or blow(s) not causing injury or resulting in an injury found by medical certificate to not cause a temporary incapacity for work”, this could fall under the rule that says that “any violent action by a player, damaging the physical integrity of the person who is the victim” should be met with a whopping eight-match suspension.
L’Equipe say that it might be that the commission show him some clemency, but if they decide they want to make an example out of him, they may decide to go for the heavier punishment.
Former Chelsea striker Diego Costa was recently handed an eight-match suspension for telling a referee “I sh*t on your whore mother” during Atletico Madrid’s 2-0 defeat to Barcelona.
Golder’s
